Like terms are terms in an algebraic expression that have the same variable raised to the same power, but they can have different coefficients. Here are the characteristics of like terms:
- Same variable: Yes, like terms must have the same variable.
- Same exponent on the variable: Yes, like terms must have the same exponent on the variable.
- Same coefficient: No, the coefficients do not have to be the same. Like terms can have different coefficients.
- Coefficients have the same sign (both positive or both negative): No, the signs of the coefficients do not need to be the same for terms to be considered like terms.
In summary, the correct characteristics of like terms are:
- Same variable
- Same exponent on the variable
The coefficients can differ, and their signs do not affect the classification of like terms.